Frost Dates for Lawrence, IN

In Lawrence, IN, the average last spring frost is around Apr 18 and the average first fall frost around Oct 26, for a growing season of about 190 days. For frost-tender plants, wait until May 6, when the chance of frost drops to 10%.

Average last frostApr 1850% chance of frost after this date
Safe to plantMay 6only a 10% chance of frost after
Average first frostOct 2650% chance of frost before this date
Growing season190 daysfrost-free in an average year

Based on NOAA 1991–2020 records from the Castleton 2 S, IN weather station, 3 miles away, elevation 824 ft. Frost can come earlier in low spots and valleys and later near cities and large lakes.

Frost probability by date

Chance of a 32°F frost after the spring date, or before the fall date.

ChanceLast spring frostFirst fall frost
10%May 6Oct 12
20%May 1Oct 18
30%Apr 25Oct 21
40%Apr 21Oct 24
50%Apr 18Oct 26
60%Apr 14Oct 29
70%Apr 11Oct 31
80%Apr 7Nov 3
90%Apr 3Nov 7

Light frost vs. hard freeze

Average (50%) dates for each temperature. Tender plants are damaged at 36°F; most hardy crops survive until 28°F.

TemperatureLast in springFirst in fall
Light frost (36°F)Apr 30Oct 16
Frost / freeze (32°F)Apr 18Oct 26
Hard freeze (28°F)Apr 5Nov 5

Planting calendar for Lawrence

Start indoors Plant outside Fall planting
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Tomatoes
Indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Peppers
Indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Eggplant
Indoors Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant May 2 – May 16
Basil
Indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21
Transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Cucumbers
Indoors Mar 21 – Mar 28
Sow or transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Zucchini and summer squash
Indoors Mar 21 – Mar 28
Sow or transplant Apr 25 – May 9
Pumpkins and winter squash
Sow Apr 25 – May 9
Watermelons and melons
Indoors Mar 21 – Mar 28
Sow or transplant May 2 – May 16
Green beans
Sow Apr 25 – May 9
Sweet corn
Sow Apr 25 – May 9
Lettuce
Indoors Mar 7 – Mar 21
Sow or transplant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 28
Spinach
Sow Mar 7 – Mar 28
Fall sowing Aug 31 – Sep 21
Peas
Sow Mar 7 – Mar 21
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Kale
Indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7
Sow or transplant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Sep 14
Broccoli
Indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Apr 4 – Apr 18
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Cabbage
Indoors Feb 21 – Mar 7
Transplant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Carrots
Sow Mar 28 – Apr 18
Fall sowing Aug 3 – Aug 17
Radishes
Sow Mar 14 – Apr 4
Fall sowing Sep 14 – Oct 5
Beets
Sow Mar 28 – Apr 18
Fall sowing Aug 17 – Aug 31
Onions (sets or transplants)
Indoors Jan 24 – Feb 7
Plant Mar 21 – Apr 4
Potatoes
Plant Mar 28 – Apr 11
Garlic
Plant Oct 26 – Nov 23

Based on the average last frost (Apr 18) and first frost (Oct 26). The dashed lines mark those dates. Seed packets list days to maturity; adjust for your varieties.

Nearby cities

FishersIndianapolis cityCarmelNoblesvilleGreenfieldWestfieldGreenwoodZionsvilleAll Indiana towns